my Imac wont boot up

the screen froze so I restarted and it wont get past the apple with the counter thingy underneath!
Audacity wrote on :

Help - anyone! My imac was working fine, then the screen froze so I restarted and it wont get past the apple with the counter thingy underneath! I have been able to access it as a target drive to save my files, command shift doesnt help, I have tried fsck -y the text read invalid directory item count. it should be 5 instead of 4.

volume header needs minor repair.

I ran it until it said ok, but it still wont start! I have tried unplugging. I think I found the pram reset button! Help!!! Audacity XX

Zaphod B replied on :

Audacity ninefoot2000@redacted.invalid wrote:

Help - anyone! My imac was working fine, then the screen froze so I restarted and it wont get past the apple with the counter thingy underneath! I have been able to access it as a target drive to save my files, command shift doesnt help, I have tried fsck -y the text read invalid directory item count. it should be 5 instead of 4.

volume header needs minor repair.

I ran it until it said ok, but it still wont start! I have tried unplugging. I think I found the pram reset button! Help!!! Audacity XX

Based on recent experience related in this group, I say that unless you want to spend a lot of time and sweat, and because you have actually saved you data, I would recommend: Reinitialize the disk and do a clean install from a sysem DVD/CD, then put your data back. Clean start.

B Collins replied on :

In article 1109161830.631664.251800@redacted.invalid, "Audacity" ninefoot2000@redacted.invalid wrote:

Help - anyone! My imac was working fine, then the screen froze so I restarted and it wont get past the apple with the counter thingy underneath! I have been able to access it as a target drive to save my files, command shift doesnt help, I have tried fsck -y the text read invalid directory item count. it should be 5 instead of 4.

volume header needs minor repair.

I ran it until it said ok, but it still wont start! I have tried unplugging. I think I found the pram reset button! Help!!! Audacity XX

Does it start up OK from a boot CD? If it does, that indicates a problem with the system on the hard drive.

If it does not start up OK from a boot CD or from the hard drive, a possible problem is dead PRAM battery. Try replacing the battery and see what happens. You can get a replacement battery at Radio Shack and other sources. How you get at the battery depends on the specific model of iMac; some disassembly is probably required.

Bill